Google offers first minute of international calls for free on Hangouts

Want to say a quick hello to your friends and loved ones who live in a different country as you? Google Hangouts is giving you the first minute free to most calls made in 25 countries. You can only make one call at a time to avail of the free minute. If you are the kind of user who makes multiple calls a day, you might not be eligible for the free call time. You’ll know if the call is eligible when the screen flashes the words “First minute free.” You can make your calls on the Hangouts app from Android and iOS but you will need Google Voice to receive calls, voicemails, and text messages.

This feature is offered in: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. Some Canadian and U.S. areas will cost $0.01 per minute depending on the phone number.

Source: Forbes Now

Roku adds Google Play to its roster

Roku is bringing another streaming service to its list of video apps. Users in Canada, Ireland, U.S. and UK can now stream videos from Google Play and its Movie and TV app. There is a “Gifts from Google” area in the app that would give users a free copy of the original X-Men movie. Aside from being able to stream videos, there are also info cards that show information about what you’re watching when you pause a show or movie.

Source: Tech Buzz Online 

Former Android head Andy Rubin to depart from Google

Google will be losing Andy Rubin, the co-founder of Android and head of nascent robotics business. Rubin will reportedly start a company that will support startups who will create technology hardware. Research scientist and robotics group member James Kuffner will replace Rubin. Last year, Sundar Pichai, the browser and applications head, replaced Rubin as head of Android division. The move placed the company’s mobile software, Chrome browser, and applications under one management.

Source: The Wall Street Journal 

TELUS adds Moto 360, Moto X (Bamboo), Sony Xperia Z3 to its lineup

TELUS is introducing new products to their lineup for those looking to try out Motorola’s new stylish smartwatch or get a new handset.

The Moto 360 is the first round-faced Android Wear device that is compatible with Moto X and other smartphones that run on Android 4.3 or higher. You can get the Moto 360 from TELUS at $280 and find out more about that here.  TELUS is also offering the Bamboo version of the Moto X. Click here to get more information. Now, if you’ve been eyeing Sony’s new Xperia Z3 it is also available for $180 on a two-year plan or $680 outright. Check TELUS’ site for more info.